What type of inspection is performed on suspect devices?

The correct answer involves a visual and tactile inspection, which is crucial when examining suspect devices. This type of inspection allows the technician to look for signs of tampering, obvious indicators of explosives, and other unusual characteristics in the outer appearance and physical structure of the device.

Visual inspection enables the technician to assess the condition, components, and any visible wiring or markings that may offer clues to the device's nature. Tactile inspection involves carefully feeling around the device to detect any unusual textures or protrusions that might indicate explosives or triggering mechanisms that are not immediately visible.

The other inspection types are less suitable for initial examinations of suspect devices. An auditory inspection primarily relies on sound and is not practical for identifying the nature of a potential explosive threat. Automated digital inspections, while helpful in various contexts, are not typically applied in real-time assessment of physical bombs. Chemical analysis is usually a subsequent step for confirmed threats and not part of the immediate inspection process for suspect devices, where quick visual and tactile assessments are paramount for safety.